Hey there! I’ve been interested in buying Crossfire for quite some time(really since they came out), and now I have the means to do so, I am in the market, and I want to have a daily driver.

I have read on this site for some common issues with these cars like the RCM, sticky key and cam/crank shaft sensors failure. I have some minor mechanical ability(like changing plugs, sensors, and oil changes) but have father in law with much more experience and I am willing to learn on how to work on these cars, save for major repairs. What I am reading is that these cars have have mostly quirky electronic issues, is that right?

Well anyways I went to look at a 2004 model, with less than 22k, one owner manual tranny. It belonged to an older gentlemen who was not able to drive anymore, and the car looked to have been sitting, for at least 3 years, Last tabs were from 2019. His grandson said he had tried to periodically drive the car to keep things moving. When I went to look at it, there was rubbage on one tire, and probably on the original tires. They also said that RCM module and ac had been replaced. But initially the electric seats didn’t work, until the owner hit the panel, and the key fobs didn’t work, but the inside door locks worked and could unlock the car via the key. There was also a bas/esp light on, but looks like battery may have been replaced recently as he had hooked up to battery tender. Drove pretty good, and everything felt tight, the car looked practically new inside and out.
They are wanting to unload the car and I can get a pretty good deal probably between 8-9k. Now I realize probably needs new tires, and completely changing all fluids (oil, transmission, coolant, brake fluid) is needed to make road worthy, and probably performing the sticky key procedure. Butdoes this seem like a good situation or does it sound like based on the symptoms and scenario that I would be walking into a night mare?

I appreciate for your time and any insight you may provide,

 

Sounds like a find, so go out and find a MB mechanic and hire him to inspect the car.

RCM replaced,

camshaft and crankcase sensors are an easy install (100$),
battery should be no more than 4 years old (150$),
look at available records for fluid changes. Have brake fluid tested for possible replacement.
decent tires are under $1,000.........(Rubbage ?). Check for tread wear, dry rot, and manufacture date.

For an 19 year old car that looks new and drives nice and tight,.......sit down and talk with the owner.......your knowledge will make an impression while talking about what has to be replaced and fixed.

....pursue this......And take comfort your father is inclined to guide you, for there is lots of fun ahead. This site has many wise guys to assist

This is a very well made car. A solid choice.

good luck.Xavier

 

Thanks so much for the input!
Yeah with used car prices right now, I’m hoping with a little refreshing I can have a steal of a daily driver. Even mid mileage cars are going for ~$20-25k in my area.
The car is in a pretty rural location so I don’t know if they would allow me to take the car in to a mechanic, but that is a good idea.
We’ll see what happens, and if all goes well, will update and post pics.

 

Have you looked at the Marketplace here on this forum? You are going to spend about $8500 on a car that needs repairs. Check out what is available for a similar price. The one thing this car has in it's favor is it's location near to you. If you want that car I would work on that price a bit.

 

Zip439,
Holy smokies, if I’m reading your post right, are you saying I should expect to spend $8500 into the car to make it road worthy? Could you elaborate?
I’ve scanned the Marketplace before, would like to buy local if possible, but realize that may take much more time to find one. The crossfires in my area are usually going for about $8-9000 but have 90-150k miles on them, with the exception of a dealer priced low mileage and then they are going for $15k+, or they are automatics and I want a manual tranny. I called one dealer and they told me that the XF they had, had so many problems on it, that they weren’t even going to sell it..

 

He is saying that typically 8500 buys you a Crossfire that needs a
lot of work.

 

Oh ok gotcha. Thanks for the clarification.

 

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